Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Runaway Slave explained
A discontented slave runs away from his master, who pursues him on horseback.
What happens
A discontented slave runs away from his master, who pursues him on horseback. The slave tries to hide in a treadmill, but his master finds him and remarks that the treadmill is the perfect place for him.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Consequence
The slave's attempt to escape his lot leads to a fitting consequence as he is found in the very place meant for labor.
Characters to notice
- The Slave
The runaway slave who attempts to hide in a treadmill but is caught by his master.
- The Master
The master who pursues the runaway slave and finds him hiding in a treadmill.
Key passages
“A Slave, being discontented with his lot, ran away from his master.”
A slave, unhappy with his situation, fled from his owner.
Sets up the conflict of the fable.
“He was soon missed by the latter, who lost no time in mounting his horse and setting out in pursuit of the fugitive.”
The master quickly noticed the slave's absence and immediately rode out to chase him.
Highlights the master's swift response.
“Aha, that’s the very place for you, my man!”
Ah, that is exactly where you belong!
The master's ironic remark upon finding the slave in the treadmill.